A Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Otor-Udu has delivered a strong Verdict against four persons who obstructed judgment execution in Charge No. MUD/43c/2024  before His Worship Dortie A. K . E . The Chief Magistrate delivered the judgment on 30th of May, 2025. With this judgment, Justice is now made to prevail Over Lawlessness

In a decisive judgment that reinforces the supremacy of judicial authority, the Magistrate Court of Delta State in the Udu Magisterial District, sitting at Otor-Udu, has convicted four defendants—Darlington Erihejakpor, Dr. David Emomotimi, Alex Oyibo, and Jemiriyeyigbe Oluwoni—for wilfully obstructing the execution of a court judgment and inciting public disorder. The verdict, delivered by Chief Magistrate Dortie-A. K. E., sends an unmistakable message that court orders must be obeyed, and any interference will be met with severe consequences.

The four convicted individuals brazenly defied the authority of the judiciary on June 11, 2024, as officers of the Otor-Udu Area Customary Court lawfully carried out an eviction order under a consent judgment. Instead of respecting the rule of law, the defendants engaged in aggressive intimidation, mobilization, and obstruction, aimed at frustrating the enforcement of a legitimate court ruling.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Darlington Erihejakpor forcefully confronted a court bailiff, issuing direct threats to stop the removal of the judgment debtor’s property. Meanwhile, Dr. David Emomotimi and Alex Oyibo falsely attempted to obstruct the process by citing an interlocutory injunction (Exhibit “T”), which had no legal standing. As the Magistrate observed, neither had he a copy of the supposed injunction at the scene, and one even admitted he had left immediately for the station, making their claims baseless. 

Furthermore, Alex Oyibo escalated intimidation efforts by directly threatening PW1, while Jemiriyeyigbe Oluwoni actively rallied members of the ‘Concerned Residents Association’, inciting chaos and disrupting the execution.

Chief Magistrate Dortie-A. K. E. issued a stern warning in his judgment, emphasizing that the execution of a court order is non-negotiable and interference with judicial decisions will not be tolerated. The court ruled that any attempt to derail justice is an attack on the very foundation of lawful governance and will be punished accordingly.

Sentencing Details are as follows:

• Count I (Conspiracy to Commit a Misdemeanour): Three months imprisonment for each defendant, with an option to pay a fine of ₦30,000.
• Count II (Obstructing Officers of Court): One year imprisonment for each defendant, with an option to pay a fine of ₦100,000.
• Count III (Conduct Likely to Cause a Breach of the Peace): One year imprisonment for each defendant, with an option to pay a fine of ₦60,000.

The court ruled that the imprisonment terms shall run concurrently, while the fines remain cumulative.

This landmark judgment sends an unmistakable signal to the public: obstructing the enforcement of a court judgment is a criminal act that carries serious penalties. The conviction of these individuals serves as a reminder that the law must take its course and that no individual or group can defy judicial authority with impunity.

Wado Admin

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